Post-nuclear deal, Iran looks to expand ties with Latin America Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi discussed Iran’s economic goals in Latin America ahead of a trip by an Iranian delegation to the region. Iran
Is EU giving up on Israel-Palestine conflict? With the US preoccupied by elections, Egypt not committed, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas politically weak and Israel reluctant, the European Union is about to give up on the two-state solution process. Palestine
Why are Turks disposing of $1 bills? The discovery of $1 bills on Turkish soldiers involved in the July 15 putsch suggest the greenback has been used as a secret code of communication. Turkey
Is Turkey abandoning NATO or vice versa? Some Turks view NATO’s aloofness regarding the coup attempt as a sign it is fatigued by Turkey's continual crises. Turkey
Kurds concerned about Baghdad's increasing military prowess Kurdish officials have been raising their concerns about a possible Shiite threat after IS is completely annihilated in their areas, as Baghdad, which backs those Shiite forces participating in the battle against IS, has been receiving advanced weapons from the United States. Iraq
How the new government plans to save Tunisia Tunisian President Beji Caid Essebsi has tapped Nidaa Tunis leader Youssef Chahed to form a unity government that will focus on terrorism, corruption and Tunisia's deteriorating economy. Tunisia
Will Iraq's Shiite militias flow to Syria after post-IS? Expelling IS from Iraq will lead Iraqi Shiite militants to volunteer to fight in Syria, as the Syrian conflict continues to attract Sunni and Shiite fighters from around the world. Iraq
What are Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units doing in Beirut? A leader of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) talks to Al-Monitor about talks held in Beirut Aug. 8-11, behind the scenes and away from the media spotlights, between a Western diplomatic delegation and 12 people representing the leadership of the PMU. Iraq
Why Iran’s diplomatic success to its north isn’t replicated to its south Under President Hassan Rouhani, Iran has managed to greatly improve its relations with its northern neighbors, but why has Iranian diplomacy succeeded in the South Caucasus and Central Asia and not in the Arab Middle East? Russia
Fresh dismissals threaten already weakened Fatah Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas dismissed six leaders of the movement for their alleged allegiance to his rival Mohammed Dahlan. Palestine
Sunnis eye their piece of Iraq pie Representatives of various Sunni groups are trying to lay the groundwork for an independent Sunni region, but efforts may be complicated by the presence of powerful Shiite forces on the ground. Iraq
How real-life tragedies have revived theater in Gaza Theater in the Gaza Strip has been revived in the past few months, as actors and directors worked hard to offer theater plays that reflect the difficult living and political conditions in Gaza. Palestine
Israeli defense minister's next target: refugee children Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman has ordered IDF soldiers to cease volunteering at kindergartens for refugee children. Israel
Israeli booksellers uncover ‘grandpa and grandma’s Tinder’ The owners of a Tel Aviv bookshop are tracking down the clients of a matchmaker from the 40s and the 50s, whose romantic and nostalgic stories are captivating young Israelis. Israel
How Yemen plans to dry up Houthis' funding Yemen is making major changes in its fiscal operations, hoping to get back revenue sources it says are being hijacked by Houthi rebels. Yemen
Iran’s tourism sector growing, but is it enough? Iran’s tourism industry has experienced a rebirth since the 2013 election of moderate President Hassan Rouhani. Yet the industry is still far from the realization of its full potential. Iran
